Streptococcus mutans glucan-binding protein (GBP) (GBP)

Streptococcus mutans glucan-binding proteins (GBPs) are a family of secreted and cell-surface proteins, including GbpA, GbpB, GbpC, and GbpD, that play a pivotal role in the development of dental caries [2, 3, 4]. These proteins facilitate the adherence and accumulation of S. mutans on tooth surfaces by binding to glucans, which are glucose polymers synthesized from dietary sucrose by glucosyltransferases [4, 18]. GbpC acts as a primary cell-surface receptor for glucan, mediating bacterial aggregation, while GbpB is an essential protein involved in cell wall maintenance and division [4, 11, 13]. By promoting the formation of a robust extracellular matrix and stable biofilm architecture, GBPs enable the bacteria to resist mechanical clearance and host immune responses [12, 18]. Due to their critical role in bacterial virulence and survival, GBPs are prominent targets for the development of anti-caries vaccines and small-molecule inhibitors [13, 15]. Therapeutic strategies targeting these proteins aim to disrupt biofilm formation and reduce the cariogenic potential of S. mutans without necessarily eliminating the entire oral microflora [15].

Other names

GbpAGbpBGbpCGbpDGlucan-binding proteinDextran-binding proteinGlucan receptorGBP receptor site

Inhibition of bacterial accumulation and biofilm formation by blocking glucan-protein interactions or disrupting cell wall synthesis.